Tour description

On this bike path you will explore lowland forests, original villages and magical cities. Of course the 3 metropolises Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest are the best-known. In Carnuntum and in the Roman castle Kelemantia you find Roman relics from the past. Discover the diversity of the flora and fauna in the lowland forests. The small villages, which you cycle through, still keep their original charm.

You pass through the Rye Island that is a real natural paradise. Don´t forget the numerous castles and palaces, which are proudly situated nearby the Danube. But although the small towns along the bike trail have a special flair and their charming historic centers invite visitors to discover and enjoy. Overall this bike tour will inspire everybody!

Highlights

Danube Bike Path

Beautiful cities of Budapest and Vienna

Lowland forests

Roman castle Kelemantia

Rye Island

Castles and palaces

Learn more

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival to Vienna
It is recommended to arrive early. This metropolis on the Danube has plenty to offer and it is worth it to stay extra time. Enjoy a cup of coffee and the typical Vienna cake "Sachertorte" in one of the numerous coffee houses, or treat yourself to a small trip with the horse-drawn cab "Fiaker."
Overnight in Vienna

Day 2: Vienna – Bratislava (42 miles/68 km)
The first distance of your bike trip guides you through the national park Donau-Auen. There you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau to eventually reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg. There you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria. After Hainburg you reach the border to Slovakia and it´s capital city Bratislava that is your next overnight stay.
Overnight stay in Bratislava

Day 3: Bratislava – Mosonmagyaróvár (28 miles/44 km)
You cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometers of your cycle trip in Hungary you will discover charming villages. The complete section is influenced by agriculture. Your route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterized by numberless side arms of the Danube. Today´s destination is Mosonmagyaróvár which is also called "City of 17 bridges."
Overnight in Mosonmagyaróvár

Day 4: Mosonmagyarovar – Györ (25 miles/41 km)Also today you cycle through the nature paradise of the small Rye Island. On your way you pass Hédervár, which is perfectly suitable for lunch break. The castle is situated in the middle of a protected park. You should schedule plenty of time for visiting Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic center.
Overnight in Gyor

Day 5: Györ – Komárom (34 miles/55 km)
Soon you reach the Hungarian Böny. From there a route version guides you to Bábolna, a well-cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. Racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders. The last part of the route takes you back to the Danube. Then you reach the divided town Komárom/Komárno. At night you can relax in the spa.
Overnight in Komarom

Day 6: Komárom – Visegrád (35 miles/57 km + trip by boat)
Today's route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. In the course of this you pass different villages and while cycling you can view the vineyards in the background. The sporty cyclists can choose a route over Tata but there is an increase of elevation. This requires a basic level of fitness. Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia which is on the way. However, the absolute highlight today is Esztergom (also known as "Hungarian Rome"). Its basilica is the largest church of the country. Take time for a comprehensive visit before you board a riverboat, which takes you to your destination Visegrád. Amazing views into the beautiful landscape will impress you. (Please note that the riverboat doesn't run on Mondays, or in Apr, Sep, or Oct, and a train ticket will be provided instead.)
Overnight in Visegrád

Day 7:Visegrád – Budapest (36 miles/58 km)
The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád will delight you, and the open-air museum, as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre, invites you to linger. The first part of today will guide you again through the "Donaukie," probably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail at all. After arriving in Budapest, you can review all impressions of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.
Overnight in Budapest

Day 8: Individual departure from Budapest
In the Hungarian capital there are many things to discover. If you are interested we would be pleased to book some extra nights for you.

Surface and terrain

You cycle on bike trails, along a dam and partly on relatively quiet side roads. Occasionally you will be on busy roads but only for a short while. You cycle off road only for 3 short distances otherwise you will be on asphalt. On the whole the route is signed very well with a few exceptions in the Slovakian part. Altogether the tour is relatively easy with occasional slight hills.

Direct train connections between cities are possible on the following days (to skip a day's ride):

Day 2: Vienna to Bratislava
Day 4: Mosonmagyaróvár to Györ
Day 5: Györ to Komárom
Day 7: Estzergom to Budapest

Boat ticket from Esztergom to Visegrád including transfer of bikes (on Mondays, and in the months of Apr, Sep, and Oct this will be a train ticket as the boat is not operating)

Rental bike insurance

GPS tracks (upon request)

If half-board is booked: 5 x dinner (in Vienna B&B only)

Note: Where due, visitor's tax is not included in the tour price.

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:

Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed, unisex and men's frames

Electrically assisted bike, Pedelec, unisex

Tandem bikes are available (upon request only)

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

Saddle bag (water-repellent), rear

Handlebar bag (water-repellent), with clear cover on top for easy map viewing

Tools

Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)

Pump

Combination lock

GPS tracks available upon request.

Additional specifications on the Hybrid touring bikes:

Modern, high-resistant aluminum frame

V-brakes

Aluminium-rims

Reliable tires, which ensure high duration

Shimano NEXUS gears on 7-speed

Shimano Alivio derailleur on 21-speed

Selle Royal Saddles

Additional specifications on the Electrically assisted bikes:

A Pedelec is an electrically assisted bike which assists you only when pedaling. You can turn the motor on/off, and also increase the amount of assistance you would like depending on the terrain. The motor is fixed in the bottom bracket of the bike, right in front of the rear tire, and can assist you up to a speed of 15 miles/hour (25 km/hr). The supply of energy comes from a removable battery, which can last for up to 50 miles (80 kms). An additional battery is provided too, just to make sure that you always have power (you can charge batteries each night at the hotels). The weight of the e-bike is approximately 50 pounds (23 kgs). It has an illuminated LCD display, cycle computer, and wattage display.

Pedals:The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. You can buy a helmet (not rent) from the tour company for 30 Euros. It will be a high quality, brand new helmet. You must let us know your helmet preference upon booking. If you do not buy a helmet through the tour company, we recommend you bring your own.

Contact us with any questions about booking and paying for your tour through BikeTours.com. We look forward to serving you!

Radreisefreunde Terms and Conditions

Cancellation through the customer/substitute participant/change in booking
1. The customer can withdraw from the agreement at any time. We suggest declaring the withdrawal in writing. In case of withdrawal or non-participation without a previous withdrawal declaration we are authorized to charge the following cancellation fees:

- Up to the 28th day before the beginning of the journey: 20%, minimum €50
- From the 27th to the 14th day before the beginning of the journey: 30% of the travel price
-From the 13th to the 8th day before the beginning of the journey: 50% of the travel price
- From the 7th to the 4th day before the beginning of the journey: 70% of the travel price
- From the 3rd day and no-show: 90% of the price
- By travel expensen: 100% of the travel price

In each case a cancellation insurance is recommended.

2. Each registered travel participant may allow a third-party to take his or her place if he or she notifies us thereof in writing up to three days prior to the start of travel. The tour operator may refuse the third party's participation for good cause. The conditions of cancellation above shall apply. If a substitute person takes the registered participant's place, this shall not affect the original contract. We shall be entitled to charge €50 for change fees.

3. Changes to the booking in terms of number or types of rooms, hotel category and type of board shall, providing such is possible in the hotels and there is sufficient capacity available, is basically possible up to 14 days prior to the start of travel. Nonetheless, we will, however, have to charge you for the time and effort involved. For each change, we shall charge you € 50.

Signing the travel agreement
1. When booking a journey the customer offers the tour operator the conclusion of a binding travel agreement. The registration takes place in writing and on the intended form. Any other form of registration, whether on the phone, oral, or written with us or one of our partner offices is also binding. The registration is made by the customer also for all the other named participants. The customer accepts the binding conditions of travel at issue - also in the name and in the behalf of the named participants.

2. The agreement is reached when the tour operator or one of its partner offices accepts the booking and sends you a booking confirmation.

3. Collateral agreements and changes of the signed travel agreement need to be confirmed by us in writing.Services
1. With regard to the scope of the contractual services, the descriptions of service provided in the current the tour operator homepage shall be authoritative, but not however any differing statements or promises by intermediary travel agencies, town or hotel brochures or other third parties. The stopover locations are the most frequent and main stopover destinations on the cycling tours. Under certain circumstances, we must require your consent to be placed in towns in the immediate vicinity without any deductions.

2. The price of travel listed is per person based on occupancy in a double-bed room. If available, a single-bed room can be booked for a surcharge. In some hotels, however, there are only a limited number of single-bed rooms meaning that you may if necessary have to make due with a simpler room or, under certain circumstances, have to go to another hotel or private bed and breakfast. If, exceptionally, no single-bed room can be made available, you will have to share a room in a two-bed room. In this case, you will, of course, receive a prorated refund.

3. For families, we grant the following discounts off the basic price and extra nights as a third person in a double room with two full paying guests: 0 to 5.99 years old: 100% (any costs incurred shall be paid on site), 6 to 11.99 years old: 50%, 12 to 14.99 years old: 25%, age 15 and up: 10%

Liability and restriction of liability 1. The tour operator shall be responsible for making pre-travel preparations, careful selection and monitoring of the service providers as well as for the accuracy of the descriptions of service valid for the period of travel at the time our catalogue is printed.

2. Travellers shall take part in our cycling journeys at their own risk. Minors may only participate in a journey when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

3. Every travel participant shall be responsible for ensuring that his or her health is suitable for the requirements of travel.

4. In addition, every travel participant shall be responsible for the observance of traffic regulations.

5. The conditions of carriage of the particular transport companies shall apply to all means of transport (bus, boat, airplane, etc.).

6. If, due to reasons beyond our control (adaptations, renovations, etc.) a scheduled tour cannot take place, we cannot assume any liability.

7. In the event of damage caused solely by one of the service providers selected by us or which is not due to premeditation or gross negligence on our part, then our liability shall be limited, regardless of the legal basis, to three times the price of the journey.

8. In the event of loss or damage to travel luggage, we shall only be liable if the loss or damages is caused by us and is communicated to us immediately after the occurrence. In this event, we shall only be liable for up to a max. of EUR 200.00 per person. We assume no liability for: items which are not usually transported in travel luggage, means of payment of any sort, for visual damage and damage to handles and wheels or damages to pieces of luggage weighing more than a total of 20 kg. We recommend that you take out a travel security package to cover these risks.
Transportation of customer bicycles before, during and after our cycling journeys is possible at the customer’s own risk only. The settings of our cycle carriers are fitted to our rental bicycles, therefore minor damages (e.g. scratches to the paintwork) can occur. Consequently, we cannot be made liable for damages originating from transportation. Above mentioned limitation of liability is also applicable for partner tours and transportation via third parties.

9. If a journey is cancelled due to reasons beyond our control (strike, natural disaster, etc.) or if the minimum number of participants of guided group tours (8 people) and bike & boat tours (15 people or as listed in the offers) is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the journey up to 25 days before the planned travel date. In this event you shall be notified without delay and will be refunded any amounts already paid to us. You shall not be entitled to any compensation beyond this.

Guarantee 1. Remedies: If the travel service cannot be performed as specified in the agreement, the Customer can demand redress. What is contractually specified shall be based on the one hand on the description of service and on the other on what is customary in the destination country. The tour operator can refuse a remedy if it requires disproportional costs and efforts but shall also be entitled to provide a remedy in the form of services of equal or greater value. Substitute services can only be refused by the Customer for a significant, objectively identifiable reason. The demand for a remedy shall be communicated directly to us or to the guide. The guide shall have no authority to recognise claims.

2. Travel Price Reduction: The Customer may, after returning from the journey, request a reasonable reduction in the price of travel (discount) for the duration of the contractually non-contractually compliant portion of the journey until a remedy is provided by the tour operator. The reduction shall not apply if and to the extent that the traveller, through his or her fault, fails to communicate the deficiency to the parties listed in Item VI (1) in a timely manner so as to enable them to provide a remedy.

3. Any claims must be lodged with us no later than one month after the contractually scheduled end of travel.

Cooperation obligation
1. If the traveller does not receive the travel documents in a timely manner, he or she must inform the tour operator without delay.

2. The traveller is required, in the event of any issues disrupting the provision of the services as described in the agreement, to take all reasonable steps to contribute to remedying the disruption any to minimise or avoid any damage. The Customer is, in particular, required to lodge his or her complaints without delay to the parties named in VI (1). These parties shall be in charge of providing a remedy if such is possible. If the Customer fails, through his or her fault, to communicate a deficiency, than he or she shall have no claim to a reduction in price.

Miscellaneous
1. The customer is responsible for the compliance with all passport, visa, custom, and health regulations.

2. We have to reserve the right to change prices and services, as well as to correct mistakes and printing errors.

3. The inoperativeness of single regulations of the travel agreement does not result in inoperativeness of the whole agreement.

Jurisdiction/applicable law
1. The agreement is governed by Austrian Law.

2. The Customer may only bring legal action against the tour operator at its registered place of business.

3. The Customer's place of residence shall be authoritative for actions by the travel against the customer unless the action is directed against general merchants or persons without a general place of jurisdiction in Austria. In this case, the registered office of the tour operator shall be authoritative.

Pursuant to the Travel Agency Guarantee Decree [Reisebürosicherungsverordnung (RSV)] for all-inclusive journeys offered by the tour operator (registration number 1999/0035 in the Directory of Tour Operators of the Federal Ministry of Economics, Family and Youth (tour operator number: 2013/0021), customer funds are secured subject to the following conditions: any payments exceeding those indicated in Item II or previously paid down payments and payments of balances owing may not be demanded nor are they secured. The guarantor or insurer is Oberbank AG, Untere Donaulände 28, 4020 Linz (bank guarantee no 022-13-00125)

Get out there and LIVE!

This tour was well orchestrated with every detail Jozef (our "pre-tour" guide) gave us perfect instructions so we stayed on course without troubles. We upgraded, and the hotels were all nice and in good locations regarding the bike trail (with the exception of the huge city of Budapest). We also used the ride with GPS app, which was extremely helpful. We had some rainy windy days, but overall the experience was delightful. I thought the breakfasts were ample except the one in Visegrad.

Responses from Biketours.com

Jim Johnson, Founder and presidentFebruary 17, 2018

Thank you so much for your review and ratings. I'm glad you enjoyed your tour!

star-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullRon SSeptember 11, 2017

Classic

Nice hotels. Great company rep. (Joseph ) Lousy route. Too many dirt trails including one which may have been a garbage dump.l Less than twenty five percent of the route was along the Danube. The signage was not good. I have run four trips thru Bike Tours but this one is not a winner. All the others were great. One participant who had a patellar injury rented an electric assist bike but the battery pack did not hold charge very long. We had additional niggling bike problems.

Responses from Biketours.com

Jim Johnson, Founder and presidentFebruary 17, 2018

Ron,
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your experience on the Vienna to Budapest tour and for the issues you faced. While most feedback we've received on the tour has actually been quite positive, it's sometimes the negative feedback that's most instructive to us--so we will definitely look into the issues you mentioned. So we thank you very much for your feedback!

Vienna to Budapest Classic was a life changing experience

The Vienna to Budapest Classic was my Bike Tour. It will always remain as one of my best experiences in life. The Tour Operator was helpful and provided useful information in the travel documents. Majority of Tour stays on the EV6 route and allows you to see many beautiful things along the Danube. The best part of booking this tour is that you get to cross borders and cycle through 3 European Countries and Capitols. Highlights of tour include beautiful city of Vienna, Bratislava Castle and Budapest. I would definitely book with company again. Only change is some sections of the tour are challenging due to rough roads and crushed gravel for quite a few kilometers. Luckily my tires never gave way.

star-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullChris 77August 29, 2017

Another good trip via Biketours

Would have spent an extra day in Bratislava - route was clear save one left turn near Budapest. Overall we enjoyed the the self guided tour. Note we only gave four stars because we have to compare it with about a dozen others we have done.

star-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullFishchicoAugust 18, 2017

Biking from Vienna to Budapest

The Vienna to Budapest Classic was the last portion of three trips linked together. We cycled along flat levees and country roads through small villages and sunny fields of sunflowers. Weather was perfect for biking with no rain. We had a wonderful fellow for support who gave us so many suggestions for stops along the way at bike cafes and points of interest.

star-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullSilasAugust 10, 2017

Vienna to Budapest (Classic)

fantastic trip with wonderful landscapes of the Danube and the fields around.

star-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullJG2017August 9, 2017

Lost in Europe: Vienna to Budapest

The English directions were poor. Please insert photos when you say bike bath is hidden and hard to find so we have some idea of what we are looking for. Sometimes we just took the main road since we couldn't find the bike path.
The same goes for bridges and statues. Eg Bratislava ends at the big statue. Which statue? Even at our hotel they didn't know where you meant. We rarely found the exact end point so the next day we also couldn't find the starting point and that put our mileage off for the day.
Also, a bit misleading to show pools as part of a hotel in the hotel booklet and then find when we arrive there is a €15 charge if we want to use them.(Hotel Thermal, Mosonmagyovar) Either include the pools in the price or leave them out of the hotel photo. Also the luggage on our last day arrived long after us, at around 5:00. We want our bags when we get to the hotel since we are hot and sweaty and need a change of clothes for after a shower. It was no fun sitting around waiting for our bags in 37C weather.

Having said all that, the scenery was great, especially the fields of sunflowers. Most of the hotel rooms were fine with comfortable beds and excellent breakfasts. The Hotel Forras in Komarom was a real treat with the most amazingly pools and grounds all included. Also don't miss the fort in Komarom. The bikes were sturdy and easy to use. Overall a good trip but could have been better if directions were clearer or more photos inserted. It is stressful getting lost in a country where you don't speak the language.

Responses from Biketours.com

Jim JohnsonFebruary 17, 2018

Thanks so much for your helpful feedback, which we'll pass along the Radreisefreunde, the local tour operator we represent. Directions seem to have been a challenge this year, and we'll work with them to make sure documents are improved for the coming season. Please know that we and they take client feedback quite seriously, and therefore we really appreciate the time you took to share your comments with us in order to benefit future clients' experiences.

star-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullstar-fullmarni55July 8, 2017

went off without a hitch

Very enjoyable trip. Rad + Reisen supplied bikes that were in great working order and no problems at all with repair issues. We never had to wait for our luggage; they reported luggage would be delivered by 6pm each day, but our luggage was delivered before we arrived every day, even when arriving early, around 1300 or sooner. The hotels were comfortable and generally in good locations, although I might consider spending a bit extra next time in order to be in a more central location in the large cities (Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest).
Much of the riding was on peaceful and beautiful country bike trails. There were some parts that were on gravel or poorly paved roads, but that was the minority.
The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is due to rather poorly written directions, mainly in the direction booklet showing the way from the end of the day's route to the hotel. We got lost many times trying to find our hotels. By the end, we gave up on using their directions to the hotel and just looked at the map. I would recommend revising these directions with more landmarks and STREET NAMES.
I would definitely use this company again.

Responses from Biketours.com

Jim JohnsonFebruary 17, 2018

Thanks for your feedback! We're glad you had a great time. We'll pass along your comments about the directions to Rad & Reisen.